Chapter 49 – The Suffering of Free Going Person (Part 2)
Today, I felt a bit lazy to go to the usual place like I usually do.
"Oh, Himahara-kun."
Sakurazaki ran towards me as soon as she spotted me.
"Jeez! I said we would meet on the rooftop during lunch break, so why didn't you come?"
"S-sorry."
"Ugh, I won't be able to come to school tomorrow, so I wanted to spend more time with you, Himahara-kun."
"Hey, Sakurazaki..."
...I have to say it.
"...Is something wrong? You've looked down since earlier."
I clenched my fist and with unwavering determination, I started talking.
Since yesterday, I haven't been able to shake off the worry in my heart.
"So, about your movie..."
"Yeah?"
"The kissing scene in it."
"Kissing scene?"
"When they actually kiss during the filming, does it really happen...?"
"Hah?"
I felt my face getting hot as I asked Sakurazaki.
...I said it. I finally said it.
"Hmm, sometimes they can obscure it with camera angles and such, but in some cases, it might actually happen? I'm not entirely sure either."
"You're not sure...? But wait, that should exist! In comics, there are many parts where the heroine is touched by the protagonist... You, were you also touched like that?!"
I felt like I was coming across as some weird person. Seriously, what I should've asked was something more casual like, "Did you really kiss in the kissing scene?" Isn't that enough?
But this feels like I'm so worked up! (I'm so worked up)
"Protagonist? Touched...? What do you mean?"
"I-it's that scene in the film you were in, right? There was a scene like that, right?"
"??"
With a furrowed brow, Sakurazaki raised a question mark above her head.
Ah, I really didn't want to say this, but...
"Protagonist... and the kissing scene... you did it, right?"
"Huh? Me? I didn't do that at all."
...What?
"Not just the kissing scene, I've only met the person playing the protagonist a few times too."
...What?
"I only had a few scenes with the protagonist during the climax of the story. Like 'Please make my sister happy,' that's the scene."
"Huh, ah..."
Maybe...
I quickly pulled out my phone and started looking up more about this movie.
...
.......
"Oh, Himahara-kun, could it be... you thought I was going to play the role of the heroine?"
It's a misunderstanding...
"Hey, Sakurazaki..."
"I'm just playing the role of the heroine's younger sister, you know. Ahaha! Himahara-kun, you really misunderstood earlier."
...Absurd.
"Sakurazaki, please..."
"I know, I know. Are you embarrassed? Himahara-kun, you're really blushing."
"...Err."
"What?"
"Please, just forget about it! I'm begging you, forget it."
I knelt down and pleaded with Sakurazaki.
Afterward, I calmed myself down and started walking with Sakurazaki.
"Sakurazaki, please! Please, forget about all of this."
"Oh, no way. I haven't seen Himahara-kun blush like that in a long time."
Meanwhile, regarding that b*tch (Renkawa) who knows about this but didn't explain it to me, there might be a lot of things I could ask.
"The last time Himahara-kun blushed like this was..."
"The first time we met and you touched my cheek, right?"
With a smile, Sakurazaki said in a playful tone.
At least, I didn't tell her about that situation.
I stopped for a moment, recalling that moment.
"...Back when you were asked if you'd feel uncomfortable if I talked to other guys, and you said you wouldn't mind... But in reality, that was a lie."
"That's true."
Saying that, Sakurazaki rested her head on my arm.
She gently closed her eyes, as if searching for my heartbeat by rubbing her ear against my chest.
Her actions were like those of a kitten seeking attention.
"I'm bothered by it, so surely Himahara-kun feels the same."
"...Sakurazaki."
"The movie will be released in December, so let's watch it together, okay?"
"Ah, yes."
Though embarrassed, I felt a great sense of relief in my heart.
Every time I watch that movie, I'll be reminded of this event...
Translator: Janaka